Best/Worst Draft Scenarios
(# 11)
Best Case Scenario: Drafting C Willie Cauley-Stein (Kentucky, Junior)
This is probably as fall as Cauley-Stein could slide on draft day. C Roy Hibbert has been somewhat of a disappointment considering his $15.5 million contract, and after he hits free agency next year, the Pacers might want to look at a long-term replacement for him rather than paying a premium to re-sign Hibbert. Also considering the value of a player of Cauley-Stein’s caliber falling all the way to number 11, this pick makes plenty of sense for Indiana, should Cauley-Stein be available. He is an outstanding defender and very good rebounder, averaging 2.23 blocks, 1.1 steals, and 6.2 rebounds per game during his three seasons at Kentucky. He is reminiscent of star C DeAndre Jordan in every way, as he is not a great offensive player but shoots efficiently when given the chance: 8.9 points per game on 57.2% shooting this year, but also has some issues at the free-throw line (61.7%), though not quite as bad as Jordan. This could be the steal of the draft for Indiana.
Worst Case Scenario: PF/C Frank Kaminsky (Wisconsin, Senior) is gone
Given PF David West’s age (34) and C Roy Hibbert’s unsatisfying production and expiring contract, as well as the lack of depth behind the duo, the Pacers almost have to go big man here. The tiers of big men in the draft go as follows: Tier 1: Karl Towns and Jahlil Okafor. Tier 2: Kristaps Porzingis and Willie Cauley-Stein. Tier 3: Kaminsky, Trey Lyles, Myles Turner, and maybe you could throw Bobby Portis in there, though he might be more tier four. Turner is more of a long-term project with potential, and given that the key pieces around superstar SF/SG Paul George (25 years old) are a little on the older side (George Hill is 28, Roy Hibbert is 28, David West is 34), Indiana needs someone that can start contributing sooner rather than later. Lyles will also need some time to develop, but Kaminsky can come in and make an impact immediately. The winner of both the Naismith and the Wooden awards in 2015 (deeming one the best player in college), Kaminsky averaged 19 points on very efficient shooting as well as 8 rebounds and 1.5 blocks per game. If he’s not available, however, the Pacers will be forced to settle with longer-term projects like Turner or Lyles.
(# 11)
Best Case Scenario: Drafting C Willie Cauley-Stein (Kentucky, Junior)
This is probably as fall as Cauley-Stein could slide on draft day. C Roy Hibbert has been somewhat of a disappointment considering his $15.5 million contract, and after he hits free agency next year, the Pacers might want to look at a long-term replacement for him rather than paying a premium to re-sign Hibbert. Also considering the value of a player of Cauley-Stein’s caliber falling all the way to number 11, this pick makes plenty of sense for Indiana, should Cauley-Stein be available. He is an outstanding defender and very good rebounder, averaging 2.23 blocks, 1.1 steals, and 6.2 rebounds per game during his three seasons at Kentucky. He is reminiscent of star C DeAndre Jordan in every way, as he is not a great offensive player but shoots efficiently when given the chance: 8.9 points per game on 57.2% shooting this year, but also has some issues at the free-throw line (61.7%), though not quite as bad as Jordan. This could be the steal of the draft for Indiana.
Worst Case Scenario: PF/C Frank Kaminsky (Wisconsin, Senior) is gone
Given PF David West’s age (34) and C Roy Hibbert’s unsatisfying production and expiring contract, as well as the lack of depth behind the duo, the Pacers almost have to go big man here. The tiers of big men in the draft go as follows: Tier 1: Karl Towns and Jahlil Okafor. Tier 2: Kristaps Porzingis and Willie Cauley-Stein. Tier 3: Kaminsky, Trey Lyles, Myles Turner, and maybe you could throw Bobby Portis in there, though he might be more tier four. Turner is more of a long-term project with potential, and given that the key pieces around superstar SF/SG Paul George (25 years old) are a little on the older side (George Hill is 28, Roy Hibbert is 28, David West is 34), Indiana needs someone that can start contributing sooner rather than later. Lyles will also need some time to develop, but Kaminsky can come in and make an impact immediately. The winner of both the Naismith and the Wooden awards in 2015 (deeming one the best player in college), Kaminsky averaged 19 points on very efficient shooting as well as 8 rebounds and 1.5 blocks per game. If he’s not available, however, the Pacers will be forced to settle with longer-term projects like Turner or Lyles.